Winnebago County Extension to Host Climate Change Policy Webcast

Climate change legislation and regulations now making headlines will impact the economy, consumers and agriculture when they are enacted. To help Iowans better understand the proposed policy and its expected implications for agriculture, Iowa State University Extension will offer a statewide webcast on Monday, Feb. 1, starting at 7 p.m.

“While the policy details are far from finalized, we can surmise the likely implications for agriculture in the policy alternatives being discussed,” said Chad Hart, Iowa State University Extension economist.

The two hour ISU Extension webcast will feature leading economists in energy economics and agricultural policy. These economists have studied the cap and trade policy, modeled the effects on agriculture, and testified before Congress about the expected impact on crop and livestock costs and returns. Local webcast sites will hold discussions to surface questions for the expert panel.

“The evening program not only offers an opportunity to better understand climate change policy, but how policy will impact Iowa and you personally,” said Carol Peterson, County Extension Education Director. “This is a chance to hear leading economists and to ask them questions.”

The webcast will be held at Titonka Savings Bank in Forest City beginning at 7 p.m. on Feb. 1. There is no charge for this event, but pre-registration is required by calling Winnebago County Extension Office at 641-584-2261 or 888-408-6606. Sites with low pre-registration may cancel and direct people to another location; call the host office on Feb. 1 to confirm site participation. For a complete list of webcast host sites visit www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/info/meetings.html.